Asphalt, supplies unaccounted for in Atlanta audit

ATLANTA (AP) - An audit has found that the Atlanta Department of Public Works can't account for at least $2.2 million in materials and is vulnerable to theft.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Tuesday that City Auditor Leslie Ward studied the department's Office of Transportation earlier this year and found that it had inaccurate records for 67 out of 68 randomly chosen categories. The audit showed that the office couldn't account for about 78,000 items, and it's unclear whether or not the items were ever used.

Mayor Kasim Reed says he's ordered an investigation into the public works department, which could result in action from his office that may include staffing changes.

The news comes after 13 of the city's watershed employees were fired following reports of missing equipment and widespread theft.